Bible Reading Plans that Fit Your Busy Life

How to have Joy despite Your Circumstances

October 5, 2012

Remember that joy is not dependent on your circumstances….True joy is the by-product of living in My Presence. Therefore you can experience it in palaces, in prisons…anywhere (Jesus Calling October 5).

I need to be reminded of this. Sometimes when I’m stuck in the middle of my calling–it’s been years since I’ve heard the call, yet I’m just half-way to getting to where I think and hope is the goal of the call– I am tempted to lose my joy in the process. The daily mundane smells musty after awhile.

But JOY.

Joy is always fresh. It doesn’t grow stale because joy is rooted in something, or rather Someone, much deeper and surer and stronger than my reality. Joy is not a bubble that can pop at any given moment. Joy has wisdom about it.

Joy knows the secret called faith and trusts that today is exactly the day it is supposed to be for an eternal purpose much greater than it appears.

Do you need some joy in your life? Who of us couldn’t use a little bit more joy today?

Listen to this: “For all the gods of the nations are idols, but the Lord made the heavens. Splendor and majesty are before Him; strength and JOY in His dwelling place” (1 Chronicles 16:27).

Where can we find joy? In Him. In His dwelling place. And where does HE dwell?

He dwells with those who acknowledge His presence and power. Jesus hangs around those who worship Him. He is in His book.

Remember, worship is more than singing. Worship is trust. Worship is obedience. Worship is love.

May I pray? “Oh Lord, we need your presence! Forgive us of our sins and dwell within our hearts. Help us trust Your choice for us today. Walk with us and make our lives a worship offering. We want Your joy, not the world’s fickle happiness. Amen.”

I pray you have a “Full of Joy” day and weekend. Supernatural joy that makes absolutely no sense on the outside.

Andy – your writing is so beautiful! What a stunning gift you have and thank you so much for sharing it with us. You truly inspire me and seem to write what I need in the moment.

- Esther

I truly enjoy your posts and your perspectives. Thank you so much for sharing your amazing talent with us. We can tweet it, email it, pin it, facebook it and continue the sharing!

- Rhonda

"My sister and I attended the conference at MAG in Ohio. It was a blessing to us both, and Tina is totally enjoying the gift Bible that she won. May God bless you."

- Mable Mason, Ohio

"Andy Lee's words will affect you ... but her heart will stay with you for a long, long time."

- Eva Marie Everson, author, Christy Award Nominee

I have been following you since the night you came and spoke at Brandon Christian Writers. We talked about growing up as a military brats, the similar places we had lived, etc. I don’t comment often, but I just wanted you to know how much I appreciate your writing and being with you on our faith journeys.

So often, I feel like you write just what God wants me to hear or study and pray about. I want to confirm for you that your writing does make a difference. Thanks!

- Marsha Stephenson

"I have the privilege of calling Andy a close and dear friend. We met several years ago and discovered we were both writers. From that point on our hearts have been united in God. Andy is not just a skilled writer but a woman after God’s heart and that’s what makes both her writing and speaking effective and powerful!"

- Sandra Chambers, Wilmington, NC

Thank you so much for your inspiration, stories, and your amazing gift to teach/preach. We have enjoyed meeting you! ~ Julie and Jenna (Mom and daughter attending women's retreat in Portland, Maine.)